OBJECTIVE

INTRODUCTION

In mathematics, a function is a particular type of relation with some rules. For example,
mathematically, a function f is a relation from a non-empty set A to a non-empty set B
such that the domain of f is A and no two distinct ordered pairs in f have the same first
element. Also, we have different types of functions that can be defined based on their
properties. In this article, you will learn about the graphs of different types of functions.

List of Functions and Their Graphs

Some of the important functions are listed below:

 Identity function
 Constant function
 Polynomial function
 Rational functions
 Modulus function
 Signum function
 Greatest integer function
 Logarithmic functions
 Step function
 Exponential functions
 Inverse functions
 Even function

Identity Function
Suppose the real-valued function f : R → R by y = f(x) = x for each x ∈ R (i.e. the set of
real numbers). Such a function is called the identity function. Also, the domain and
range of this function f are R. The graph of this type of function is a straight line passing
through the origin as shown in the below figure.

Constant Function
The function f: R → R by y = f (x) = c, x ∈ R where c is a constant and each x ∈ R is
called a constant function. The domain of this function is R and its range is {c}.
However, the graph of a constant function y = f(x) = 2 is given below.
Polynomial Function

+ a2x2 + …+ anxn, where n is a non-negative integer and a0, a1, a2,…,an ∈ R. The graph of
A function f : R → R is said to be polynomial function if for each x in R, y = f(x) = a 0 + a1x

this type of function is a parabola. The graph of a certain polynomial function with
degree 2 is given below:

Rational Functions
A function is of the form f(x)/g(x), where f(x) and g(x) are polynomial functions of x
defined in a domain such that g(x) ≠ 0 is called a rational function. The example graph
of a rational function is given below:

Modulus Function
The function f: R → R defined by y = f(x) = |x| for each x ∈ R is called the modulus
function. The graph of a modulus function y = |x| is given below.

Signum Function
The function f: R → R defined by

f(x)={−1 ; x<0

0, x=0

1; x>0

is called the signum function. The domain of this function is R and the range is the set
{–1, 0, 1}. The figure given below shows the graph of the signum function.

Greatest Integer Function

The function f: R → R defined by f(x) = [x], x ∈R assumes the greatest integer value,
less than or equal to x. Such a function is called the greatest integer function. Below is
the graph for some greatest integer functions.

Logarithmic Function Definition

In mathematics, the logarithmic function is an inverse function to exponentiation. The
logarithmic function is defined as
For x > 0 , a > 0, and a ≠1,

y= loga x if and only if x = ay

Then the function is given by

f(x) = loga x

The base of the logarithm is a. This can be read it as log base a of x. The most 2
common bases used in logarithmic functions are base 10 and base e.

Common Logarithmic Function

The logarithmic function with base 10 is called the common logarithmic function and it is
denoted by log10 or simply log.

f(x) = log10 x

Natural Logarithmic Function

The logarithmic function to the base e is called the natural logarithmic function and it is
denoted by loge.

f(x) = loge x

Step Function Definition

A step function f: R → R can be written in the form:

for all real numbers x.

If n ≥ 0, αi are real numbers and Ai are intervals, then the indicator function of A is χA,
and it can be written as below:
(Or)

A function f: R → R is called a step or greatest integer function if y = f(x) = [x] for x ∈ R.

Exponential Function Formula

An exponential function is defined by the formula f(x) = ax, where the input variable x
occurs as an exponent. The exponential curve depends on the exponential function and
it depends on the value of the x.

The exponential function is an important mathematical function which is of the form

f(x) = ax

Where a>0 and a is not equal to 1.

x is any real number.

If the variable is negative, the function is undefined for -1 < x < 1.

Inverse function

An inverse function or an anti function is defined as a function, which can reverse into
another function. In simple words, if any function “f” takes x to y then, the inverse of “f”
will take y to x. If the function is denoted by ‘f’ or ‘F’, then the inverse function is denoted
by f-1 or F-1. One should not confuse (-1) with exponent or reciprocal here.

In trigonometry, the inverse sine function is used to find the measure of angle for which
sine function generated the value. For example, sin-1(1) = sin-1(sin 90) = 90 degrees.
Hence, sin 90 degrees is equal to 1.

Even Function Definition

Consider a function f(x), where x is a real number. Here, the function f(x) is called an
even function when we substitute -x in the place of x and get the expression the same
as the original function. That means, the function f(x) is called an even function if f(-x) =
x for all real values of x.
Even function: f(-x) = f(x)

Odd function: f(-x) = -f(x)

Trigonometric functions

Trigonometric functions are also known as Circular Functions can be simply defined as the
functions of an angle of a triangle. It means that the relationship between the angles and sides
of a triangle are given by these trig functions. The basic trigonometric functions are sine, cosine,
tangent, cotangent, secant and cosecant. Also, read trigonometric identities here.

REAL LIFE EXAMPLES

Identity function
1.An identity function could be a simple "copy machine" where you put in a
document and it outputs an exact duplicate of the same document, essentially
just returning the input without any change; in mathematical terms, this means
the function f(x) = x, where the input value "x" is always returned as the
output.
2. Direct conversion: If you are converting a measurement from
centimeters to centimeters, you are essentially applying an identity
function as the output is the same as the input.
3. Data processing: In data analysis, sometimes you might need to pass
data through a process that simply does nothing to it, acting as an
identity function to maintain the original data structure.
 Constant function
1. A flat monthly subscription fee:
If you pay the same amount every month for a streaming service, regardless of how
much you watch, that's a constant function.
2. Sea level at a specific location:
The sea level at a particular point on the coast can be considered constant over a
short period of time.
3. A machine operating at a set speed:
If a machine consistently produces items at the same speed, its output rate can be
seen as a constant function.

Polynomial function
 Engineering and Physics:
Engineers use polynomials to design structures like bridges, roller coasters, and buildings by
calculating forces, bending moments, and optimal angles based on polynomial models.
 Projectile Motion:
The path of a thrown ball follows a parabolic curve, which is a quadratic polynomial, allowing
for calculations of trajectory and distance.
 Data Analysis:
Polynomial regression is used to fit curves to data sets in various fields like economics and
biology, helping to identify trends and make predictions.
 Economics and Finance:
Polynomial functions can be used to model economic growth, price changes, and investment
trends.

Rational functions
 Work problems:
Many work-related scenarios, like calculating how long it takes multiple people
working at different speeds to complete a task, can be modeled using rational
functions.
 Concentration and dilution:
Situations involving mixing substances or calculating the concentration of a solution
over time can be represented by rational functions.
 Modulus function
 GPS distance calculations:
When a GPS tells you the distance to a destination, it always displays a
positive value, even if you are moving away from the destination temporarily
- this is essentially using a modulus function to ensure the distance is always
positive.
 Stock market fluctuations:
When analyzing stock price changes, the modulus function can be used to
calculate the absolute value of price changes, showing the magnitude of the
movement regardless of whether the price went up or down.
 Manufacturing tolerances:
In manufacturing, a modulus function can be used to ensure a product falls
within acceptable size ranges by calculating the absolute difference between
the desired size and the actual size.
 Clock time:
A clock can be considered a modulus function where the "modulus" is 12,
meaning that after 12 hours, the time cycles back to 1.

Signum function
 Threshold value:
The set temperature on the thermostat acts as the "zero" point in the signum
function, where the output changes direction.
 On/off switches:
Any switch that simply turns on or off based on a specific input condition can
be considered a signum function in action.
 Stock market analysis:
Identifying the direction of price movement (upward or downward) using a
signum function on the price change.
 Direction indicators in navigation:
A system that outputs "forward" or "backward" based on a calculated
direction value.

Greatest integer function

 Utility bills:
When calculating electricity or water bills, the usage is often rounded down to the
nearest whole unit, meaning the greatest integer function is applied to the total usage
to determine the cost.
 Parking fees:
Many parking garages charge a flat fee for the first hour and then increment the cost
for each additional hour, effectively using the greatest integer function to calculate the
total parking cost based on time spent.
 Shipping costs:
When calculating shipping costs based on weight, a package might be rounded down
to the nearest whole pound to determine the price, representing the greatest integer
function.

Logarithmic function
measuring earthquake intensity on the Richter scale, gauging sound intensity in decibels, determining
the pH level of a solution, and analyzing radioactive decay.

Step function
 Stamp costs: The cost of a stamp increases in steps as the weight of the letter
increases. For example, a letter weighing between 0 and 50 grams requires a 50-cent
stamp, while a letter weighing between 50 and 100 grams requires a 70-cent stamp.
 Segmented pricing models: Step functions can be used to represent segmented
pricing models.
 Heaviside step function: This function is used in engineering and the study of electric
currents. It is also known as the unit step function.

Exponential function
Real-life examples of exponential functions include: population growth (like
bacteria culture), compound interest, radioactive decay, depreciation of a car,
the spread of a disease during a pandemic, and the cooling of a
liquid; essentially, any situation where a quantity increases or decreases at a
constant rate over time, resulting in a rapidly accelerating or declining trend.

Inverse function
 Unit conversions:
 Converting between units like inches to centimeters or miles to kilometers is
essentially an inverse function where you can go back and forth between the
measurements.
 Encryption/decryption:
When a computer encrypts data, it applies a function to scramble it; the decryption
process is then the inverse function that restores the original data.
 Distance and speed:
If you know the speed of a car and the time traveled, you can calculate the distance
using a function; the inverse function would be to find the time needed to travel a
certain distance at that speed.

Even function
A real-life example of an even function is the potential energy stored in a spring, where
regardless of whether the spring is compressed or stretched (positive or
negative displacement), the potential energy remains the same,
demonstrating the symmetry characteristic of an even function.
Trigonometric function
 Navigation:
Using trigonometric functions to determine directions and distances based on
compass readings, especially in marine navigation.
 Surveying:
Calculating the slope of land or the height of an object by measuring angles and using
trigonometric ratios.
 Architecture:
Designing structures like roofs and bridges by calculating the necessary angles and
lengths of supports using trigonometry.
 Physics:
Analyzing periodic motion like waves (sound, light, electrical) using sine and cosine
functions to model their amplitude and frequency.
 Astronomy:
Calculating the positions of celestial bodies by using trigonometric relationships
between angles and distances.